Each year the Texas Ranger Association Foundation (TRAF) hosts the Texas Ranger reunion in Waco, in honor of the retired Texas Rangers and their families. The reunion kicked off with the 20th Annual Captain Bill Wilson Memorial Golf Tournament at Battle Lake Golf Course Friday morning. The golf tournament was once again completely booked and a tremendous success!
"Through tremendous participation we had 144 players and in combination with hole sponsors and raffle items, over $13,000 was raised for the scholarship program. I would like to personally thank all who contributed to the preparation and execution of the tournament." said Lt. Alvin (Al) Alexis, Company F.
Later that night, the festivities began in Knox Hall at the Ranger museum with a catfish fry and silent auction. This year there were over 100 items, and many were custom made for this Ranger reunion. The silent auction also began and lasted the entire weekend. It featured many excellent items which brought out some competitive bidding. During the Friday night dinner, all 100 plus retired Texas Rangers we recognized and those that attended the event were given the gifts of a leather portfolio and shot gun case.
Prior to the actual reunion weekend, the organization members had been selling raffle tickets for this year raffle. The gifts included a 4x4 Rhino ATV and trailer, custom made saddle, pair of his and her Justin boots and Kimber Stainless Steal .45 pistol.
Next year the raffle hopes to exceed this year°Øs number of tickets sold and plans to even have better prizes than this year.
"This years raffle was great and next year I hope we all work real hard and sell over $100,000.00 in tickets." said Gary Crawford, TRAF Secretary.
Saturday morning the memorial service was held in the rotunda of the museum to recognize all the retired Texas Rangers that had passed away in the last year. Immediately following the memorial service, the board of directors met for their annual meeting. This year Benny Vanecek stepped down as Chairman and E.E. "Bubba"Hudson took over as Chairman. Also, Cpt. Jack Dean, moved to the Vice Chairman position, Steve Sikes moved to the treasurer position and Gary Crawford became the secretary. Each will serve in those positions until June of 2008.
"It is indeed an honor for me to be a part of the TRAF and be your chairman. I am dedicated to working hard the next two years to continue the positive drive and ensure the success of the TRAF." said Hudson.
Immediately following lunch on Saturday afternoon, the ladies hosted their traditional ladies gift swap. Wives of the current and past Texas Rangers and members wives participate in a social event and exchange gifts to get to know one another.
Saturday evening there were two guest speakers. One was Lieutenant General (Ret) Ricardo Sanchez, commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq and was the highest-ranking Hispanic in the Unites States Army as of November 2, 2006, when he retired. The second was a past scholarship recipient US Air Force Captain Heather Martin. Each gave riveting speeches about their experiences and offered thanks to the foundation for this event. Jeffrey Shaw, a Captain in the US Army and a guest at the reunion, said that he thought that both guest speakers were very informative, inspirational and patriotic.
Following the Saturday night speakers the raffle was drawn. Steve Hargrove won both the ATV and the saddle; Peggy Lam won the boots and Laura Revitz won the pistol. The raffle raised over $50,000. The silent auction also ended Saturday night and this year the auction raised over $40,000!
The organization would like to give a special thanks to the Spindletop Charities Inc., this year for donating their cook team, time, equipment and food to the organization as they provided both lunch and dinner for the reunion on Saturday.
All the proceeds for these events and activities go towards raising funds for the TRAF scholarship program and helping Ranger families in times of need.
With over 400 attendees each night, the organization was able to raise over $110,000 this year and hope to only grow further and exceed that in years to come!
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